I used to take comfort in the idea that all things pass in time, now not so much. Probably because I realised that includes everyone I love, and myself!
I’ve no great love for the monarchy, but this is certainly the end of an era in British public life and likely in UK international relations - I can’t see the commonwealth nations welcoming King Charles as their new head of state.
And it is weird, there are some things you just never expect to change. I’m hardly a spring chicken, but Queen Elizabeth was not only there my entire life, but Queen far enough into the past before I was born to have interacted with historical figures (like Churchill).
Well this is precisely what is about to happen. There may be some hand wringing articles in major newspapers about whether the Royal head of state is still relevant, appropriate, blah blah blah, but there is approximately zero chance that anything will change in reaction to this news.
I’m pretty sure that (for instance) Australia was just hanging on until we could be sure she was gone, the current government have already planned a referendum on it in a few years if they get a second term.
(I say ‘we’, I am a relatively recent British migrant, and not a citizen yet)
1. There was a sense of loyalty to Liz personally. She did a good job of Queening and it seemed almost rude to interrupt that.
2. No-one wants Charles as king. He's very weird, and has ideas that he actually wants to do things with.
I fully expect the referendum to be brought forward because of her death, and for it to get a strong "yes".